8 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Scott County Park's South East Corner Campground provides primitive sites for equestrians, offering accessible trail riding opportunities throughout the 1,280-acre park. The campground accommodates both tent and RV camping in its equestrian section with picnic tables and fire rings at each site. The campground design allows horse owners to keep their animals close to their camping area. Most sites feature level ground with good shade coverage, though the primitive nature means no electric hookups, running water, or shower facilities are available on the equestrian loop.
Located approximately 29 miles southeast of Anamosa, the equestrian trail system connects riders to scenic wooded areas and open meadows. The park maintains several miles of marked bridle trails that wind through diverse terrain suitable for various riding skill levels. Horse owners must bring their own water for their animals as no dedicated horse hydration stations exist within the camping area. Trailer parking is available adjacent to the campsites, allowing for convenient loading and unloading of horses. The trails remain open year-round, though seasonal conditions may affect accessibility, particularly after heavy rainfall when some lower sections become muddy. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis rather than taking reservations, so arriving early during peak summer weekends is recommended to secure a spot.
"Nice quiet little primitive campground next to the Wapsipinicon River. Unfortunately, when I was there the last weekend of May, the gnats were bad, and the mosquitoes were just starting to gear up."
"We camped at this park for 9 nights with W/E on site with a dump upon exit/entrance. Our site was unlevel but was able to get the RV right with tri-levelers. "
"There are a variety of sites to choose from, nice trees, and a beautiful wildflower field to walk through."
from $23 - $33 / night
Check Availability"Campsites right next to the pond and good tree cover made the experience fun anyway. Good bass and panfish fishing with quiet campgrounds that aren’t right next to each other."
"There are miles of trails. Is hiking your thing? What about equestrian? Maybe mountain bike trails? You can even take the family for a nice leisurely walk on the easier trails."
"Backbone State Park is unlike any other place in Iowa, having geological features uncommon in Iowa. There are two campgrounds."
from $12 - $25 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $12 - $25 / night
Check Availability"Located in Muscatine County in southeast Iowa, this rec area offers well-maintained campgrounds, hiking trails, fishing, kayaking/canoeing and seasonal hunting. There are three separate campgrounds."
from $15 - $20 / night
Check Availability"Tucked away in the southeast corner of Scott County Park – yes, the same park that already has more campgrounds than a camping catalog – lurks a little-known equestrian primitive campground."
"Site is located in the very SE corner of the park with: charcoal grill, fire ring, outhouse, picnic table, recycle station adjacent, tie-up, hard surface for RV. No water onsite. Trails available."
from $15 / night
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GuideI arrived after dark. Crept in slowly as its dark. Loop B. Found a spot easy. I’ll drop the envelope on the way out. Some minor road noise. Dark! Quiet! So far, excellent. I plan to head out early. I would stay here again. $25water/electric. Cash in iron ranger. Haven’t used the restroom. Perhaps in the morning. Lovely clear night sky
TravelerDriving thru. Stayed for a quick stop over. County Park. Loop A takes reservations. Loop B first come first served. It was a long trek to the bathroom and showers which were well maintained. Great price $35
TravelerOff the beaten path, beautiful area but when we got there the road to the campground was closed, so we ended up parking for the night in the horse staging area instead.
LegendThis campsite has a hard parking lot surface, picnic table, charcoal, grill, firing, and a pit toilet, horse tie up. Trail access starts here, recycling station is adjacent, and Scott County Park Road is just to the south.
LegendTucked away in the southeast corner of Scott County Park – yes, the same park that already has more campgrounds than a camping catalog – lurks a little-known equestrian primitive campground. It’s the sort of place that feels like you stumbled onto a secret level in a video game: no hookups, no frills, just you, your horse and the occasional squirrel judging your life choices. If SOC-Fox is the Brady Bunch middle child (see my review for this CG), this one is the mysterious cousin who shows up at family reunions in cowboy boots and doesn’t say much.
The sites? Bare-bones, as expected. You’re not here for 'glamping.' You’re here for space to tie up your horse, throw up a tent and feel like you’ve traveled back to 1883 (minus the dysentery). Fire rings are your only luxury item here, and if you’re expecting bathhouses with spa vibes, forget it. You’ll find pit toilets that are … serviceable. Let’s call them ‘character-building.’ Roads in here are gravelly but manageable if you take it slow, but you don’t really want to be coming here if you’re toting a 5th wheel or driving an RV as this area is really more geared for mi tent pitchin’ bredren who want the opportunity to ‘rough it’ ... ideally with their noble steeds.
What makes it shine, though, are the equestrian trails. Miles of riding paths crisscross through woods, open meadows and rolling hills. Even if you’re not on horseback, you can hike them and pretend you’re in a Western where the budget ran out before they gave you an actual horse. And because this campground is the least famous of the seven, you’re more likely to get actual peace & quiet. No cannonballing kids, no RV generators humming in the night, just plenty of crickets, the odd, stray coyote and your horse deciding 2 a.m. is the perfect time to shuffle around loudly.
Insider Tips? Giddy-up, here’s a few: (1) Bring your own water as there’s no magic spigot here; (2) If you want solitude, this is the place. It’s basically the anti-aquatic center; (3) Hungry after a day on the trail? Eldridge’s Grille on the Green dishes out hearty comfort food, and you won’t even have to tie your horse out front; and (4) If you need supplies, hit the Tractor Supply in nearby Eldridge. They won’t blink when you walk in smelling like hay and campfire.
Happy Camping!
TravelerGreat shady spots - register on line - clean bathrooms and showers - no full hook ups - must fill water tanks before parking and 30/50 power available
LegendThe site offers a hard service to park on, picnic table, fire, pit, charcoal, grill, outhouse, horse tie up, and equestrian trailhead. There is a recycling dump station nearby, and open space with shaded tree area. The park itself offers trails for hiking and biking, a pool, golf course, campgrounds, historical Pioneer Village, amenities, including firewood, ice, concessions. Pride Lake offers paddling and fishing.
TravelerThis is our go to campground! We have stayed at this campground several times and plan to several more times! Half of the campgrounds is first come first serve, the other half is reserve only.
TravelerAll reservable spots...clean bathrooms, showers and spots. Beautiful park!
Scott County Park's South East Corner Campground provides primitive equestrian campsites across its 1,280-acre landscape. The terrain varies from wooded areas to open meadows with trails specifically designed for horseback riders. Sites include picnic tables, fire rings, and hard surface parking for vehicles and trailers. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system, situated approximately 29 miles southeast of Anamosa.
Trail riding access: Multiple marked bridle trails connect directly from the campground to the park's trail system. At Backbone State Park, visitors can explore additional outdoor activities beyond horseback riding. As Rachel H. notes, "We hiked on the famous Backbone trail - a really fun hike that isn't too incredibly long. The grounds were well kept and we had a phenomenal time."
Fishing opportunities: Several parks near Anamosa offer fishing in rivers and lakes. At Matsell Bridge Natural Area, the Wapsipinicon River provides good fishing spots. Carol M. describes it as a "beautiful location, ranger close by, wood for sale just across the bridge, fire pits and picnic tables at every site."
Paddling and boating: Many parks in the area allow canoeing and kayaking. James M. mentions that at Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area, the "Main CG has gravel lanes, showers, fire rings, tables, electric, nearby lodge and shelter with Cedar River access." Some parks offer equipment rentals through county conservation offices.
Shade coverage: Many equestrian campsites near Anamosa feature good tree coverage. At Wakpicada Natural Area, Parker H. explains: "Campsites right next to the pond and good tree cover made the experience fun anyway. Good bass and panfish fishing with quiet campgrounds that aren't right next to each other."
Accessibility to trails: Horse owners appreciate the direct access to trail systems from camping areas. James M. says of Scott County Park's equestrian campground: "Site is located in the very SE corner of the park with: charcoal grill, fire ring, outhouse, picnic table, recycle station adjacent, tie-up, hard surface for RV. No water onsite. Trails available."
Privacy between sites: Several equestrian campgrounds offer good spacing between sites. Carol M. described Matsell Bridge Natural Area as "nice quiet little primitive campground next to the Wapsipinicon River... Beautiful location, ranger close by, wood for sale just across the bridge, fire pits and picnic tables at every site."
Primitive facilities: Most horse campgrounds near Anamosa are primitive with limited amenities. At Wanatee Park, formerly Squaw Creek, Colleen L. reports: "I loved this campground. There are a variety of sites to choose from, nice trees, and a beautiful wildflower field to walk through. Bathrooms are stationed without so it's never a far walk."
Water access limitations: Horse owners must bring their own water supply. James M. notes about Scott County Park's equestrian campground: "Site has hard surface for vehicle/trailer, table, grill, non potable water, outhouse, tie-up, trails, shade trees."
Weather impacts: Seasonal conditions affect trail usability. Rain can make trails muddy and impassable in some areas. The Matsell Bridge area experiences seasonal insect activity, with Carol M. warning: "Unfortunately, when I was there the last weekend of May, the gnats were bad, and the mosquitoes were just starting to gear up. HOWEVER, take bug spray and enjoy the rustic peacefulness."
Bring recreation equipment: Many equestrian campgrounds have open areas for games. James M. describes Scott County Park's equestrian area as having "open space with shaded tree area. The park itself offers trails for hiking and biking, a pool, golf course, campgrounds, historical Pioneer Village."
Plan for primitive conditions: Families should prepare for basic facilities at horse camping areas. At South Lake Campground, Edward B. notes: "Great shady spots - register on line - clean bathrooms and showers - no full hook ups - must fill water tanks before parking and 30/50 power available."
Consider safety around horses: Family campers should maintain proper distance from unfamiliar horses. Keep children supervised when near equestrian areas. Rachel H. explains from her Girl Scout camping experience: "The campsites were simple to access and the grounds were easy to navigate... The grounds were well kept and we had a phenomenal time."
Hard surface parking: Most equestrian campgrounds provide solid parking surfaces. James M. notes about Scott County Park: "The site offers a hard service to park on, picnic table, fire, pit, charcoal, grill, outhouse, horse tie up, and equestrian trailhead."
Leveling requirements: Some sites require additional equipment for leveling. Clint G. from Wanatee Park explains: "Our site was unlevel but was able to get the RV right with tri-levelers. The sites are very spacious with some shade, a fire ring, and picnic table provided."
Water tank preparation: Fill tanks before arriving at primitive equestrian sites. Edward B. advises at South Lake Campground: "must fill water tanks before parking and 30/50 power available."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Anamosa, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Anamosa, IA is Matsell Bridge Natural Area with a 4.3-star rating from 4 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Anamosa, IA?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near Anamosa, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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